Using our Digital Files to Create Patterned Paper

jenchapin-feb-kit-true-story-(2)Hello! Jen Chapin here and today I am going to give you a little digital tutorial on making your own patterned paper with Elle’s Studio digital files, and even how to recolor your elements if you wish.

screen capture (1)For this layout, I used the True Story PNG file from the February Digitals. Go ahead and open the file in Photoshop (I am using Photoshop Elements). If you see this type of checkered background on a file, this means it is probably a PNG, meaning it has a transparent background. These types of files can be placed on other layers such as paper or photos, and you won’t be able to see the background. Just the elements of the file.

screen capture (2)First, go to File + New  + Blank File. The above window will open. Create a new file that is 8.5 inches wide and 11 inches high at 300 DPI. Click OK.

screen capture (3)Drag the PNG element up on to your canvas and release. You can then use the pointer to drag and resize the file to the desired spot.

screen capture (4)Keep filling the canvas with your desired pattern. You can do this by repeatedly dragging the file, or on the right side where your layers are, right click and pick duplicate layer.

screen capture (5)You can definitely leave the elements black, like I did in this layout, or you can re-color them to match your projects. One great thing about digital scrapping is that you can sample colors from different photos to match your projects! I downloaded this kit photo from the Elle’s Studio site and pulled it into Photoshop. On the left side of the screen you will see the eyedropper tool. Click this, then click on a color in the photo that you want to use.

screen capture (8)Next, grab the paint bucket tool. You can see this on the left side of my screen as well, it looks like a bucket of paint dumping out. Click this. Then go to your canvas and click on each element you would like to recolor. Easy peasy!

true-storyAfter you have the pattern the way you would like it, go ahead and print it out using your printer. I used 8.5×11 white cardstock. I then layered elements from the February kit and wood veneer. This is such a great technique to customize patterned paper for your projects. I hope you will try it soon!!

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